5 + Note Chords
Definition: When playing a chord with 5 or more notes in it, like in the case of C maj 9, the span of the chord will prohibit some students from reaching the 9th of the chord. So the remedy for … Continue reading
Category Archives: Chords
Advanced Chord Voicings
What I call “ advanced chords”, are chords that use beautiful colors like 9ths, 11ths and 13ths, but are fully contained within an octave span. These “ advanced chords” are usually played with the left hand but aren’t exclusive to … Continue reading
4 Note Chords
Definition: 4-Note chords are simply triads with one note added. The 4-note chord , Cmaj7, would be played ( C, E, G, and B ). By the addition of just 1 more note to the triad we get a much … Continue reading
What are Lead Sheets?
Definition: A Lead Sheet is a song with a one-note melody written in the treble clef and a chord symbol above the melody. You can think of a lead sheet as a “skeleton” of the song. It shows the melody … Continue reading
What are Piano Triads?
A Triad, as the word suggests, is a group of 3 notes usually played simultaneously. When all 3 notes are struck together this is called a “ block chord”. When struck non-simultaneously the chord is said to be “ arpeggiated” … Continue reading
What are Piano CHORDS?
Definition: A chord is 3 or more notes played together. Sometimes the notes are not struck simultaneously. This is what is called a “ broken chord”. Importance: All Western Civilization music, from Bach to Beethoven to Brubeck, is based on … Continue reading